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6.28.2016

I have a little secret to share...I have had an ongoing fear of wearing jumpsuits and rompers. Why? Okay, don't laugh, but this is where my germ phobia kicks-in. I've always feared I'll need to use the public facilities while wearing one, and the back of the suit will touch the toilet. I know, some of you are shaking your heads. Don't judge. It's a real fear, and one I still have to overcome.

Recently, while adding to my summer wardrobe, the hubs and I wandered into Ann Taylor Loft. I picked up various pairs of shorts and a few summer dresses. But before I made my way into the fitting room, I could feel the section of rompers taunting me from across the store. I walked over to them to determine if their mockery was real. With trepidation, I examined the garments, then my eyes landed on the one I'm wearing for today's style story. With reservation, I made the decision to add it to my try-ons. I stepped out from the fitting room to show my husband. When he looked up from his cell phone, his tongue hung from his mouth and almost dropped to the floor. "Damn, Glenda!" And with those words and his wagging tongue, I knew it was time to bee brave. I took the romper to the wrap desk. It was official - It was time to overcome my fear.

For today, I wear the one garment I avoided like the plague - the romper. Not for the faint of heart, this sexy number can be a great addition to your summer wardrobe. The design of the garment reveals just the right amount of skin. However if you're shy about your legs, this probably isn't the piece for you. Done in my favorite off-the-shoulder, I decided to wear the newest addition to my jewelry collection - a jeweled bee pin, which is the perfect representation for BEEing brave. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I'll meet you below in the comment section.

With a daring number like this, I felt it necessary to keep my other cast of characters (the accessories) to a minimum. The bee brooch sits bravely on the front of the ruffle. To complement the brooch, I'm wearing a gold, jewel encrusted feather ring. Though the romper can easily be dressed up or down, today, I selected to wear it with barely there heeled sandals - a look that can take me to a variety of summer events...an evening concert at the Hollywood Bowl, a late night tasting at a winery, or dinner at a piano supper club. To give the romper a more relaxed feel, simply pull the shoulders up, wear flat sandals, and perhaps switch your jewelry to silver.

Truth be told, I often use my date nights as a time to venture where Glenda has never gone before. I tend to amp-up my vixen quota, but not in a lewd way. As I've demonstrated before, in a post called Sexy Cool, you can be sexy without looking like a (fill in the blank). And like I've stated previously feeling sexy is of the mind. I'm glad I made the first step to bee brave in my romper. But what I have noticed, when I wear the garment out, I have a tendency to drink a lot less water. Tell me friends, what clothing item have or do you fear {wink}

One last thing before I fly, with many heading out to enjoy the 4th of July (including myself), this will be my only post for this week. I'll return next week with another style story.

Stay True,

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6.24.2016

You can be in the presence of someone for years and years and not come to fully know them. Sure, we may scratch the surface and discover a persons occupation, marital status, favorite color, etc. However getting to know and understand a person intimately is often ignored. I have found most people do not wish to know people on a more personal level, by doing so, it keeps the relationship at bay without ever running the risk of having to expose our own vulnerabilities. Therefore, we're never challenged to dive any deeper than what's necessary. Inevitably, our relationships remain one dimensional, instead of us taking the time to peel back the layers to discover what lies beneath.

Recently, I attended a gathering, and like most events of this type, time was spent playing games, watching sports, eating and chit-chatting. Conversations were left to general small talk. In the end, much fun was had, however, after an introspective look, the realization came...no layers were revealed, and only a mere scratching of the surface had occurred. I left wondering...What is there to fear? Or perhaps, the real fear is within our self - when you don't know yourself, the idea of spending time to get to know others is simply daunting.

One of the best choices I ever made was when I decided to expose the real Glenda...post by post, chapter by chapter - there I was...out in the open for the world to read in A Place Called Peace. The act of actually showing Glenda wasn't the tough part, the part that was grueling was the actual peeling back. However, with each layer I removed, I found there was more remarkable flavor to experience, and hidden surprises to unleash. There lie a Glenda which was far more distinguished and expansive than the mere first layer. So for today, I wear an outfit which seems one dimensional, but when you peel back the layers, you'll be surprised by what lies beneath. Enjoy!

A delicate white dress with scalloped embroidered details gives a taste of romance, however, with a second glance, you notice a surprise appearing from just beneath. Suddenly, a story of enchantment and love reveals a different element - one of wonder, fantasy and risk-taking. The saga becomes even more intriguing when our protagonist gives a clear impression of a woman who likes to take chances. She may be sweet, but the woman knows how to have fun.

Many ask the question - How do you find personal style? First allow me to clarify - there is a difference between fashion and style. It is easy to tell someone what they should wear to this event, or for that occasion, if their goal is to simply dress the naked body. However, to tell someone how to garner their true essence through their sartorial pursuits has a much deeper meaning - one that requires the removal of layers. Fashions are how we clothe our bodies. Style represents a person's spirit, and has the ability to translate your true self. In order to have this capability, you must first know yourself intimately. So my answer to the age old question - How do you find personal style? ------> First you must find yourself. I'll leave you with this quote by poet, William Butler Yeats...

"It takes more courage to find out who you are, by examining the dark corners of your own soul, than it does for a soldier to fight on the battle field."

Stay True,

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6.21.2016

I'm back! I feel rested, restored and ready to begin the second half of the year. As an entrepreneur, it is always difficult to step away from your passion, but if I don't take that precious time, I would find myself unable to create, and out of balance. Stepping away has a way of energizing my soul. So, what did I do while away from the blog? Well, to be honest, I didn't do anything spectacular...and I kind of wanted it that way. I did attend an outdoor jazz concert at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art (LACMA); attended a family gathering; spent a lot of time watching a program called - The Paradise on Netflix; I found myself enthralled with the BIG basketball game between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. I discovered acting is a big part of playing basketball. Cleveland star player, LeBron James, should win an Oscar for his believable performance as an injured athlete. One of my favorite moments was the day I pampered myself with a facial, mani/pedi, and left conditioner in my hair for the entire day. My time wasn't all frills and relaxation. On Monday, we found ourselves having to evacuate a family member from the crazy wild fires. Her home was saved, but it was scary. If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen the pictures. The fire was at her front door!

Even in the midst of danger, there was something beautiful about the fire. Fire naturally fertilizes the soil. Once the smoke is clear, the rains will come, and again, the mountain will bloom with the beauty of a lush terrain in various shades of green - a natural rebirth. We could view the cycle of our lives in the same manner. We go through periods of growth; we may become dormant and dry; fires come to destroy the old, then the new springs forth. I don't know about you, but this is a very poignant process in my life - one I often fear, but in the end, it always brings something even more beautiful than before.

As many of you know, So What to Twenty has been going through a natural rebirth and growth. My time away came at a crucial time. As I was planning my vacay, my story appeared on Chico's blog - Inside Chic and oh my goodness, I wasn't prepared for the amount of interaction that followed. My phone was set on fire with messages (no pun intended)! Since the break of the story, I received invitations to participate in other collaborations - one being with My Side of 50 by Cathy Lawdanski (you can see my feature on accessories by clicking My Side of 50)! I'm thrilled with the collaboration with Cathy, whom I met at BAM. Because of my new friendship with Cathy, I have come to meet her very talented daughter - Allison Taylor of ATaylor Illustrations (see her creation of me below) Allison will be creating the illustrations for my upcoming book on Style! But wait - there's more! Beginning in July I'll have a monthly collaboration with Chico's that I've dubbed, Destination - Chico's. With this monthly series, I'll wear my favorite fashion picks from Chico's! And finally, in September, I'm having my first Special Guest Appearance as a Style Expert (more to come on this subject).

With all the growth sprouting in the life of So What to Twenty, I thought it befitting to wear an ensemble which captures the very essence of my current life situation - pure white is set against a pair of gumdrop green shorts, and a dramatic necklace by Chico's which cast various shades of green. The pictures are shot on location at a park. Notice all the beautiful greenery as you scroll through the pictures. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Chico's. I
received compensation in exchange for sharing with my blog public. Although this post is a partnership, all opinions are my own.

So my dear friends, I'm looking forward to continuing our journey on style. Remember, the fires will come, and yes, they are scary and may destroy whatever is in its path, but always know, it will fertilize the ground on which you stand; and once again, there will be the most lovely shades of green to behold {wink}

Stay True,

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6.11.2016

My goodness, what a whirlwind the first 6 months of the year have been. It began with promoting my first book (A Place Called Peace), hosting a few giveaways, attending BAM and facing the fear of public speaking, signing on to contribute to other publications (Grand Magazine and Vibrant Nation), the start of my second book (hint: it's about style), began volunteering my time with Dress for Success, getting to know YOU even better, and the grand finale...appearing on the Chico's blog-Inside Chic (click Inside Chic to see the feature!) Phew...this woman has been busy...but in a good way. I'm not complaining. I'm beyond thrilled with all that has transpired over the course of 6 months. Do you remember what I said my statement of the year would be? It was I'M READY (click I'm Ready for the full story). My goodness, I surely didn't miss the mark. Taking on the statement has proven to be apropos.

Though I consider everything I listed as really good fun, I have to be true to myself - It is time to take a small but fruitful break. Yes, my friends, it's vacay time! I have no travel plans, rather, I want to take in some of my favorite Southern California spots. Would you believe I enjoy boogie boarding? Yes indeed, I love the ocean and plan on spending some days at the beach; taking water aerobics; going to a jazz concert; delving into a good book; stimulating my mind at an art talk...oh and yes, my youngest begins football camp - YIKES!!! I'm happy the guy found his niche, but football scares the bajeebers out of me. So as you can see, I have plenty to do in my own backyard. No traveling necessary.

So before I take-off, I thought I share a new outfit that's been in heavy rotation. The top you've already seen in Free Spirit, however today, I've combined it with colorful shorts and fun jewelry that definitely put a taste in your mouth for vacation. The ensemble is fun, spirited, relaxed, and oh so comfortable. I hope you enjoy today's look, and I'll meet you below in the comment section. Also, stay to the end. I have a new inspirational story for you at Bloom, called, Peek Outside the Box.

I hope you enjoyed today's post. I'll return with another style story on Wednesday, June 22nd. In the meantime, here's a special message to all my So What to Twenty friends, whether you're new to the community, or you've been around for some time - I say to you...

6.08.2016

As many of you know, back in April of this year, I was invited to speak at the Bloggers at Midlife (BAM) Conference. As time approached to attend the event, I began to feel apprehension because of my fear of public speaking. Instead of letting the fear win, I made the empowering decision to go ahead with my initial plans and speak at BAM. Oh my goodness, am I ever so thankful I went. BAM had quite a list of corporate sponsors, one of them being Chico's. During the conference, my interaction with the Chico's representatives was brief, however I knew there was a special connection. They were, of course, very friendly. The first day of the conference, we were all invited over to the Chico's booth to pick up the lovely gifts they had for us. I chatted briefly with the Manager of Public Relations. However, the second day, I made my way back to their booth to pick-up additional swag that I could share with you, my readers, for the #HelloImFabulous Giveaway (Congrats to Daenel for winning!) It was during this conversation, I was told by the Manager of PR that Chico's wanted to collaborate with So What to Twenty!

After the conference, Chico's collaborated with So What to Twenty on several sponsored posts. If you didn't catch them, here they are again:

While in the mist of this wonderful collaboration, I was informed I had been on Chico's radar for many months prior to BAM. When the Manager of PR found out I was speaking, she took BAM as an opportunity to meet me in person. One wonderful talk led to another, and...(Drum roll please)...I'm now featured on the Chico's blog - Inside Chic! Trust me when I say, I am absolutely thrilled, stunned, shocked, ecstatic, happy, humbled...the list can go on for days. Even with a mile-long list of adjectives, there still isn't one that clearly identifies how I feel.

There was no pitching required. As a matter of fact, I have never pitched a brand. For one reason, I always rested on the idea of just being Glenda, and my love for what I do will shine. I think back two years ago when I told artist Joni James her tattoo inspired me to take a journey of self-sploration. Joni then sent me one of her creations - a beautiful butterfly. The butterfly came with a note which stated - May the sun always shine on your horizon. I hold the message close to my heart. Indeed, I feel like the sun is shining on my future.

Also, remember when I mentioned in a post called Refreshed,
the volunteer work I do with Dress for Success, and how we were in need
of a retailer to support our efforts with a fashion show fundraiser?
Well, it is Chico's who so graciously collaborated with us! Thanks
Chico's - may the sun always shine on your horizon.

Can't let the sun go down on me, oh no more
Can't let myself be washed out at sea, I've got to stay ashore
The world is full of ups and downs, you know what I mean
I got to make my mark in life, I'm through with dreams

Now I got to push ahead, 'cause the more I put out
The more it comes back
I'll do better things instead of hanging out in the streets
'Cause when the lights go down I'll see, I'm free

Got to meet my new horizon
Ooh, got to meet my new horizon
I got to live my life, I got to live my life

Now I got to push ahead
Onto better things instead
I'll see, I'm free

Got to meet my new horizon
Got to meet my new horizon
I got to live my life, I got to live my life, ooh

Got to meet my new horizon
Got to meet my new horizon
The world is full of ups and downs, yeah
I got to live my life, I'm through, I am through with dreams
Got to meet my new horizon

Stay True,

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6.04.2016

The above quote is a logical theory when you think about it. Right? Why wouldn't this form of "getting dressed" work? I mean, think about it...all of us have items in our wardrobes we absolutely love. So of course it would make sense to believe if we throw on our favorites we'll come up with something cool...at least we hope so. Rather than gambling in a game of fashion roulette, let's dissect this idea:

Hypothesis 1 - This theory would prevent the annoying feeling of having nothing to wear. A statement which more than likely means - I've worn this before, or I'm not in the mood for that right now, or I
want to wear something fresh. The idea of wearing something fresh,
doesn't have to be NWT (new with tags). It can also represent a new and
clever way to wear your favorite pieces. Now's the time when you get to spend a day revisiting your closet and playing dress-up. It's always fun to shop your closet!

Hypothesis 2 - And here's where the theory can go terribly wrong. In my mini-series on accessorizing, in The Icing: Minimum, I mentioned in the 3 Major Faux Pas, the Story Sabotages - this happens when your outfit and accessories aren't cohesive and fail to tell a complete story. Well, the same faux pas can occur when selecting your garments. Unless you're striving for a purposeful, mix associated look, there should be congruency to make getting dressed in this manner soar. By congruency, I don't mean matchy-matchy. What I mean is putting pieces together that tell an interesting story.

For today's style story, I've decided to put Leandra's quote to the test. Each piece I'm wearing falls into the "My Favorite" category - my favorite pair of light-wash cropped jeans, a wide-brimmed fedora, tie-up sandals, an organic accordion bracelet (courtesy of Chico's), and finally, a pretty, lace peplum I purchased on a celebratory shopping trip. The look is most definitely a wink at my love for Southwestern inspired fashion. At the same time, I bring in an organic element (my love for nature, and my feminine prowess). I hope you enjoy today's look, and I'll meet you below in the comment section.

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Chico's. I
received compensation in exchange for sharing with my blog public. Although this post is a partnership, all opinions are my own.

So what do you think, did my look pass the test? In my opinion, the outfit makes sense. I'll call this look The Southwestern-Romantic. There's a rustic, Spanish feel about the story, but at the same time, there's a gentle quality too. In this case, I believe the theory worked. I managed to throw on some of my favorite pieces and created an interesting style story. I hope you agree {wink}

Stay True,

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